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Purpose of the Health Indicator Report

The purpose of this health indicator report is to provide information about the perceptions of the level of health risk associated with using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among adults aged 18 and over living in Halton Region.

Background

Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices which mimic the smoking experience using an inhalation process that heats and vapourizes the e-liquid inside. This is often referred to as “vaping”. E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, however, most of the e-liquids have nicotine, which is the addictive substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Globally, and in Ontario, e-cigarette use is becoming increasingly population, especially among young adults aged 18-24.

Evidence of potential health effects is sufficient to suggest that non-smokers should not use electronic cigarettes.Some smokers using certain kinds of e-cigarettes in certain ways may quit smoking. While e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco, it doesn't mean they are safe. More research is needed to determine long-term health effects for users and those exposed to second-hand vapor as well as the potential role for helping smokers quit.

The current Electronic Cigarettes Act bans the sale and supply of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 19. There is currently provincial legislation drafted that restricts where e-cigarettes can be used. This updated act is scheduled to be enacted in 2018. The Halton Region Health Department is responsible for enforcing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Electronic Cigarettes Act. For more information visit the Halton e-cigarette webpage.

Key Findings

Overall Findings

In 2016, 8% of Halton adults reported having ever used an e-cigarette, 5% reported having used an e-cigarette in the past year, and 2% reported having used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days.

58% high or medium risk

16% low or no risk

26% do not know.

Sex

In 2016, there were no significant differences by sex in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that e-cigarette use was associated with a high or medium health risk. There were also no significant differences by sex in the low or no risk and don’t know categories.

Age

In 2016, the percentage of Halton adults who thought that e-cigarette use was associated with high or medium health risk decreased as age increased. However, this was primarily due to the fact that the percentage of adults who were unsure of the level of health risk associated with e-cigarette use increased as age increased.

Halton adults aged 18-24 were most likely to think that e-cigarette use was associated with low or no health risk, however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Municipality

• In 2016, there were no significant differences by municipality in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that e-cigarette use was associated with a high or medium health risk. There were also no significant differences by municipality in the low or no risk and don’t know categories.

Income

• In 2016, there were no significant differences by income in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that e-cigarette use was associated with a high or medium health risk. There were also no significant differences by income in the low or no risk and don’t know categories.

Education

In 2016, there were no significant differences by education in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that e-cigarette use was associated with a high or medium health risk. There were also no significant differences by education in the low or no risk and don’t know categories.

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